Activate to Motivate Your Staff

There are strategies that employers can create to foster an enjoyable workplace. Happy, motivated staff are more inclined to stay with the company. Most organizations spend big dollars to recruit their employees and training them. So what can you do to make sure your employees are happy and motivated to want to stay and grow with the company?

For example, the receptionist has one of the most important roles in the company but how often is she or he recognized for their efforts? Greeting your clients and answering the phone is an essential and important role, but many a disgruntled receptionist can scare your clients away. It is essential to always include all staff from the most junior person upwards in your motivational planning.

Here are some suggestions on making a happier workplace:

Create a visually appealing and comfortable workplace – aim to have an office with light colours. Ensure also the temperature isn’t too hot or cold, this is a tricky one but very important as body temperatures vary. If your budget doesn’t extend to renovating maybe just adding an espresso coffee machine or some plants could be a small way to improve the office space.

Encourage a team environment – in today’s training world, team building specialists range from fighter pilots, drummers, Ninjas to Mt Everest climbers. There are many exciting programmes to help encourage a team comradeship.

Thank and praise – recognize achievements, initiatives and long hours worked.

Have some in-house training or bring in an expert on Work Life balance at your next conference.

Many organizations now offer their staff in-house shoulder massages.

Corporate Responsibility – involve staff in a worthwhile charitable cause. Helping others can be a great way to feel a sense of achievement.

Be flexible. Children get sick, people get sick. Develop a good relationship with a temporary recruitment agency that can help you fill a gap for a sick employee at short notice. Be flexible with working hours, especially if a staff member is studying, has children or other personal issues. Many people work very well from home, if not better than in the office.

Ensure that your management is well trained in leadership skills.

Make sure your employees’ skills are fully utilized and encourage goal setting.

Consider rewards like week-ends away for your employees as a bonus instead of cash incentives. Many senior executives do not get the chance or make the time to go away with their spouse or family.

Ask for feedback and take notice of the suggestions. Value the ideas of your employees and implement the useful ones.

Keep ongoing professional development. Bring in corporate trainers and use professional speakers to motivate your staff. Don’t be mislead by the title “Professional Speaker” many speakers offer follow on and online training after their keynotes.

If changes are happening in the workplace, keep the staff updated. One way to lower morale is to have ‘uncertainty’ in the office.

Consider childcare facilities, week-end family picnics and other functions to show that your organization appreciates family.